THE RULE OF THREE
Baseball America|May 2021
Bobby Witt Jr., Riley Greene and CJ Abrams are three of the prospects we’re most excited to see this season—and for good reason
MATT EDDY
THE RULE OF THREE

Three is a magical number in baseball.

Three strikes. Three outs. Three is a factor for the number of innings, lineup spots and total outs in a game.

Baseball fans also tend to think of great players in groups of three.

Tinker to Evers to Chance. Willie, Mickey and the Duke. Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz.

Each Hall of Fame trio is linked by a common element.

The same is true of the so-called holy trinity of American League shortstops of the 1990s: Nomar Garciaparra, Derek Jeter, and Alex Rodriguez. Or the current young Latino superstars of the National League: Ronald Acuña Jr., Juan Soto, and Fernando Tatis Jr.

The next baseball power trio is set to emerge in the minor leagues. That’s where Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., Tigers outfielder Riley Greene and Padres shortstop CJ Abrams will begin—but not necessarily end—the 2021 season.

This story is from the May 2021 edition of Baseball America.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the May 2021 edition of Baseball America.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM BASEBALL AMERICAView All
ARIZONA COMPLEX LEAGUE TOP 10
Baseball America

ARIZONA COMPLEX LEAGUE TOP 10

Early promotions of star prospects led to a bit of a down season for the Rookie-level Arizona Complex League.

time-read
4 mins  |
September 2023
FLORIDA COMPLEX LEAGUE TOP 10
Baseball America

FLORIDA COMPLEX LEAGUE TOP 10

Even before the Rookie-level Florida Complex League season began, scouts who saw extended spring training gushed over the Yankees' talent, starting with shortstop Roderick Arias and 6-foot7 pitchers Henry Lalane and Carlos Lagrange. Outfielder John Cruz mashed 10 home runs as a 17-year-old.

time-read
3 mins  |
September 2023
SALAS COULD BE SPECIAL
Baseball America

SALAS COULD BE SPECIAL

When Ethan Salas arrived in the California League on May 30, he immediately displayed talent well beyond his years.

time-read
3 mins  |
September 2023
HOLLIDAY TAKES FLIGHT
Baseball America

HOLLIDAY TAKES FLIGHT

Jackson Holliday began the season at Low-A Delmarva. He began the second half of the season at Double-A Bowie.

time-read
3 mins  |
September 2023
CHOURIO GETS IN THE SWING
Baseball America

CHOURIO GETS IN THE SWING

DOUBLE-A

time-read
3 mins  |
September 2023
DE LA CRUZ ELECTRIFIES IL
Baseball America

DE LA CRUZ ELECTRIFIES IL

TRIPLE-A

time-read
3 mins  |
September 2023
THE NEW TRENDSETTERS
Baseball America

THE NEW TRENDSETTERS

Every MLB team wants its own version of what the Braves have with The Battery

time-read
4 mins  |
September 2023
PIRATES CHOOSE DAVIS IN 'COMPLICATED' 2021 DRAFT
Baseball America

PIRATES CHOOSE DAVIS IN 'COMPLICATED' 2021 DRAFT

Adam Bourassa's own major league dreams fell short, but he's finding another way to make his mark on the game.

time-read
2 mins  |
September 2023
In Memoriam
Baseball America

In Memoriam

ALEX COLE MADE A FAST IMPRESSION AS A ROOKIE| TIGERS CATCHER JIM PRICE BECAME LONGTIME BROADCASTER

time-read
4 mins  |
September 2023
HIGH SCHOOL SHOWCASE ALL-STARS
Baseball America

HIGH SCHOOL SHOWCASE ALL-STARS

Each year, the summer showcase window is a vital evaluation period for MLB scouting departments as they get their first in-depth looks at the current draft class.

time-read
6 mins  |
September 2023